Yellowstone Ultimate Wolf & Wildlife Safari

An unforgettable winter safari that tracks and observes wolves and other wildlife in the white and silent splendours of some of North Americas greatest National Parks.

This winter safari ventures into Jackson Hole in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagle, coyote, bison, mule deer and moose, before entering the National Elk Refuge to photograph the huge herd wintering on the valley floor. Crossing Buffalo Valley and Grand Teton National Park, you enter Yellowstone National Park to track wolves in the remote Lamar Valley, the best place in North America to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings.

Typical itinerary

Day 1: Depart UK / arrive Jackson, Wyoming, 2-nights

Fly to Jackson Hole, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Jackson is situated on the edge of Grand Teton National Park and is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. In winter, the snowy peaks become especially breathtaking.. After meeting the rest of the group, there’s time to enjoy an informal welcome dinner and orientation. The Lexington at Jackson Hole is a Western-style lodge centrally located and across the road from the world famous elk refuge. Dinner is included today.

Day 2: Explore Jackson Hole and by horse-drawn sleigh into the National Elk Refuge

Your winter safari begins this morning as you venture into Jackson Hole in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, bison, mule deer, moose and elk. Later, you’ll visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Then, by horse-drawn sleigh you’ll glide across the snows blanketing the National Elk Refuge for close-up photos of the massive herd that winters there, with thousands of animals roaming the valley floor. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Day 3: Cross Buffalo Valley and Grand Teton National Park to enter Yellowstone National Park, 1-night

A traverse of Buffalo Valley and the northern portion of Grand Teton National Park offer a panorama of the Tetons rising above the Snake River. Upon entering Yellowstone, an enclosed, heated snow coach conveys you into Yellowstone's silent winter splendour. Because access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles, you’ll find yourselves in peaceful seclusion, experiencing the magic of Old Faithful erupting in winter’s crystalline veil. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge, which is normally not accessible by road during the winter months, is newly built, but offers classic accommodation affording access to the wild areas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Back aboard the snow coach, you’ll head northward through the park’s geyser basins to the silver terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, where you may see many elk. This evening’s destination is Cooke City, Montana. Located along the Beartooth Highway, named by Charles Kuralt as one of the most scenic roadways in America, Cooke City is a typical old-time western mining town. As dusk descends, an evening drive through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone’s far northeast corner offers the first chance to see wolves. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

Day 5: Wolf tracking in Lamar Valley

Today’s activities will be focused on tracking wolves in the Lamar Valley, perhaps the best spot in North America to view these wonderful animals. Re-introduced to Yellowstone in the 1990s amid much controversy, wolves were returned to this native ecosystem after a 70-year absence following their government-sanctioned eradication. Now they are flourishing, supported by bountiful prey, including a multitude of elk. Tracking wolves will entail following tracks and other signs as you drive along the road, stopping to view and photograph wildlife. At times you may see or hear a single wolf foraging alone, or if you are lucky, you may see an entire pack on their relentless hunt for food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.

As dawn illumines the Lamar Valley’s snowy meadows, you will return once more in search of wolves. The on-board scopes help to observe their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behaviour. You may even experience the thrill of a close-up encounter. Many of the Expedition Leaders have worked for years with the on-site scientists who track these wolves daily, and together they provide every opportunity to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs, it’s time to leave Yellowstone’s wintry quiet and continue to Bozeman for your final night. Your breakfast, lunch and dinner is included today.

Day 7: Depart

As dawn illumines the Lamar Valley’s snowy meadows, you will return once more in search of wolves. The on-board scopes help to observe their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behaviour. You may even experience the thrill of a close-up encounter. Many of the Expedition Leaders have worked for years with the on-site scientists who track these wolves daily, and together they provide every opportunity to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs, it’s time to leave Yellowstone’s wintry quiet and continue to Bozeman for your final night. Your breakfast, lunch and dinner is included today.

Day 8: Arrive UK

You should note: Every other departure runs in the opposite direction, beginning in Bozeman, Montana and ending in Jackson, Wyoming, making all the same stops.